OIL PRICES JUMP 5%

Iran warns it will hit Gulf energy facilities after US attacks huge Pars gas field

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

In a major escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iran's huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first ​reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the US-Israeli war, prompting Tehran to warn its neighbours that their energy installations would be targeted "in the coming hours".

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EID-AL-FITR GIFT

Abu Dhabi, Dubai approve $2.59bn housing benefits to citizens

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have approved major housing benefits totalling AED9.52 billion ($2.59 billion) for their citizens ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr, reflecting the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Emirati families’ wellbeing.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

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45% FLIGHTS RESTORED

Dubai Airports CEO says: 'We will not stop, expansion plans stay unchanged'

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Dubai Airports will press ahead with expansion plans despite aviation disruption caused by the regional conflict with Iran, with Chief Executive Paul Griffiths saying the emirate’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in global aviation remains firmly on track.

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CONCERN OVER FOOD PRICES

Hormuz closure could ripple across global sectors, economies: UNCTAD

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, are sending ripple effects far beyond the Middle East, threatening energy markets, freight costs and global supply chains, a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study has warned.

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Top This Week

Oil recovers losses, up 2.7% at $102.95

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as renewed supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz lifted sentiment in global energy markets.

Air traffic operations return to 'normal' across UAE airspace: GCAA

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that air navigation has returned to normal across the UAE’s airspace, following the stabilisation of the situation and the lifting of the temporary precautionary measures that had been implemented.

Gulf tourism faces short-term losses, but recovery will be quick

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

The Gulf’s tourism sector is expected to take a significant short-term hit as regional conflict disrupts air travel, weakens traveller confidence and forces widespread flight cancellations, but analysts say regional markets retain the financial strength and infrastructure needed for recovery once hostilities ease.

Hyundai E&C says NEOM tunnel work contract terminated

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Hyundai Engineering & Construction said a tunnel construction contract in NEOM awarded to a consortium led by the South Korean builder and Samsung C&T has been terminated, according to a regulatory filing.

Saudi Energy invites bids for Expo 2030 Riyadh substations project

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Saudi Energy, a leading electricity producer in the kingdom, has invited bids for a key power infrastructure project as part of Expo 2030 Riyadh development. The scope of work includes setting up of three 132/13.8kV substations along with other work linked to its integration with the national electricity grid.

Ohana registers record $1.63bn sales for Manchester City Yas Residences in 72 hours

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Ohana Development, a leading UAE real estate developer of luxury projects, has recorded AED6 billion ($1.63 billion) in sales in 72 hours for Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, a gated waterfront community located along Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi, setting a new sales record in the emirate’s real estate market.

Aramex opens first regional healthcare hub at Dubai South Free Zone

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has announced the opening of its dedicated regional healthcare and pharmaceutical hub in the Dubai South Free Zone, marking a significant expansion of its capabilities in the fast-growing life sciences and medical supply chain sector.

Fire reported in Fujairah Oil Industries Zone after drone attack

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Authorities in Fujairah have confirmed that a major fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone following a drone attack, with no injuries reported.

Dubai International Airport flights begin to resume after temporary suspension

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Dubai Airports said flights to and from Dubai International Airport are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai approve $2.59bn housing benefits to citizens

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have approved major housing benefits totalling AED9.52 billion ($2.59 billion) for their citizens ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr, reflecting the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Emirati families’ wellbeing.

Adnec teams up with Ewec to power Adnec Centre Al Ain with clean energy

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Adnec Group, a unit of Abu Dhabi group Modon, has announced a strategic partnership deal with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) to power Adnec Centre Al Ain with renewable and clean energy. Hosting over 500 events annually, the venue will now operate entirely on clean energy.

Dubai Culture celebrates Eid with immersive heritage experiences

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is marking Eid Al-Fitr with a programme of activities across Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Museum, celebrating the holiday and its cherished traditions.

Adnec teams up with Ewec to power Adnec Centre Al Ain with clean energy

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Adnec Group, a unit of Abu Dhabi group Modon, has announced a strategic partnership deal with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) to power Adnec Centre Al Ain with renewable and clean energy. Hosting over 500 events annually, the venue will now operate entirely on clean energy.

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

Arabian Construction Company wins Jubail Island villa project contract

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Jubail Island Investment Company has awarded a contract to Arabian Construction Company (ACC) to deliver Packages 1 to 5 within its mega development in Abu Dhabi. The scope of work includes construction of premium three- to six-bedroom villas along with other key amenities.

Emirates Drug Establishment sets up task force to support pharma supply chains

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has set up a task force comprising 16 strategic partners involved in pharmaceutical and logistics supply chains across the UAE, including drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities and logistics providers.

CBSE cancels all Class 12 board exams in the Gulf countries

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday cancelled remaining Class 12 board examinations (scheduled between March 16 and April 10), including papers earlier postponed in several West Asian countries including Bahrain and other GCC countries and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

GCC insurers' credit conditions remain stable, says S&P

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Most rated insurers in the GCC are expected to remain broadly stable in the short-to-medium term, as they have sufficiently robust capital buffers to absorb a potential increase in capital market volatility and any claims related to the war in the Middle East, according to S&P Global Ratings.

WIPO launches new AI Infrastructure Interchange to discuss IP issues

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced the launch of a new initiative - AI Infrastructure Interchange - for expert dialogue on IP and AI issues that will focus on technical and operational issues and complement ongoing discussions at its other forums.

Makkah taxi fleet to be doubled this year

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites plans to nearly double Makkah Taxi fleet capacity this year to around 1,600 vehicles, supported by the issuance of three new operating licences to taxi companies under its General Transport Center.

Alsayyah Group allocates $27.2m projects to support orphans initiative

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Alsayyah Group, a leading UAE property developer, has allocated projects valued at AED100 million ($27.2 million) in support of the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” campaign, launched by the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority - Awqaf Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

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